Combination signal marker panel and solar panel
A combination signal marker panel and solar panel and methods are disclosed. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel includes a signal marker that is detachably fastened to a flexible solar panel. The solar panel is modular and configurable to provide any output voltage. Namely, the solar panel can include any number of solar modules configured in series, configured in parallel, or configured in any combination of series and parallel arrangements. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel can be used to harvest solar energy while simultaneously marking the user's position.
1. A combination signal marker panel and solar panel comprising:
a signal marker panel; and
a solar panel;
wherein the solar panel comprises one or more solar modules;
wherein the one or more solar modules are mounted to a flexible substrate and are electrically connected to one another and to at least one output connector;
wherein a first layer of fabric and a second layer of fabric are positioned on a top and a bottom of the flexible substrate;
wherein at least one of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric comprises one or more openings;
wherein the one or more openings have one or more dimensions substantially equivalent to one or more dimensions of the one or more solar modules;
wherein the flexible substrate comprises flashspun high-density polyethylene; and
wherein the signal marker panel is detachably secured to and separable from the solar panel.
2. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the signal marker panel is detachably secured to the solar panel by a fastening mechanism selected from the group consisting of a zipper, one or more buttons or snaps, a hook-and-loop system, and combinations thereof.
3. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the one or more solar modules includes at least two solar modules, and wherein the at least two solar modules are electrically connected to one another in a configuration selected from the group consisting of series, parallel, or combinations thereof.
4. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the one or more solar modules are electrically connected by one or more electrical traces printed on the flexible substrate.
5. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the signal marker panel comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyvinylchloride-coated polyester, a vinyl-coated polyester, nylon, canvas, polyvinyl chloride-coated canvas, and polycotton canvas.
6. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric are waterproof or water resistant.
7. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric each independently comprise a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyvinylchloride-coated polyester, a vinyl-coated polyester, nylon, canvas, polyvinyl chloride-coated canvas, and polycotton canvas.
8. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the flexible substrate further comprises instructions printed thereon.
9. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the signal marker panel can be positioned to provide secondary protection to the solar panel when stowed.
10. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , further comprising an integrated pocket for securing the signal marker panel when not in use.
11. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the combination signal marker panel and solar panel is Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE)-compatible.
12. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the signal marker panel and/or the solar panel includes tie straps, loops, eyelets, and/or grommets.
13. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the at least one output connector includes one or more connectors that allow a first solar panel to connect to a second solar panel in series or in parallel.
14. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the signal marker panel includes snaps that allow a first signal marker panel to connect to a second signal marker panel.
15. The combination signal marker panel and solar panel of claim 1 , wherein the signal marker panel incorporates reflective material, thermal identification material, and/or a U.S. Coast Guard-approved distress signal.